A series of events are being held in Cardiff this month to mark the Centenary of Captain Scott’s epic Antarctic expedition.
In 1910 the British Antarctic Expedition, led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, departed from Cardiff Bay in the vessel SS Terra Nova but the expedition ended tragically and never returned. To celebrate their heroism and spirit of adventure, a variety of educating and exciting events and activities will take place across the city.
A fascinating outdoor exhibition displaying Scott’s journey to the Antarctic, including the departure of Terra Nova from Cardiff and the methods used to reach the pole, will open on June 11 on the Cardiff Bay Barrage under the barrage sails while a small collection of artefacts from The Captain Scott Society will be on view in the Pierhead Building. This will include expedition photographs and artefacts, and most notably the actual Binnacle, or compass tool, from the SS Terra Nova.
During the centenary weekend, the tall masted ship Stavros S Niarchos and the ocean survey vessel HMS Scott will be berthed in Britannia Quay from June 12 – 14. The vessels will be open daily for visitors from 11am until 4pm, with quayside markets and activities nearby. In addition the Stavros S Niarchos will be hosting sponsored mast climbs for people to come aboard and test their own sense of adventure!
If you are interested in this activity contact the Tall Ships Youth Trust, email: [email protected].
On June 12, the British Antarctic Monument Trust will hold a lecture entitled “Heroism, Discovery, Inspiration – Captain Scott’s Legacy”. Speakers include Felicity Aston who will talk about the inspiration which drove her to lead an expedition of women to the South Pole earlier this year. The lecture will be held in the National Museum of Wales. Tickets are from £10 Tel: 01923 447422 Web: www.antarctic-monument.org
On June 15, 100 years to the day since Scott set sail, the Royal Marine band will play alongside the vessels from 8am.Then at 8:30am, the Stavros S Niarchos will depart, commemorating the historic departure of Scott’s vessel Terra Nova, with the flotilla passing through the Cardiff Bay Barrage and Penarth Head at 10am.
Later in the day on June 15, Sir Ranulph Fiennes will be delivering his lecture “Living Dangerously” at the Julian Hodge lecture twheatre at 6.45pm. To reserve a place contact 029 2087 6934 or e-mail a request to [email protected]
Councilor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said:
“When the British Antarctic Expedition departed from Cardiff on its final voyage in 1910 it created one of the greatest legends of adventure and heroism of the 20th Century. So it’s important that we continue the memory of Captain Scott and his comrades, and their association with the City of Cardiff, to encourage future generations to push boundaries and seize their sprit of adventure.
“The Scott Society have organised a variety of activities suitable for the whole family and the celebrations promise to educate and entertain.”
For further information visit cardiffharbour.com and www.captainscottsociety.com
